べきだ (bekida)

Meaning & usage

べきだ expresses that an action is the right or expected thing to do, based on duty, morals, or common sense. It attaches to the dictionary form of a verb, as in 行くべきだ or 食べるべきだ, with する becoming すべきだ. Forms include べきだった for past obligation, べきではない for negative obligation, and べきである in formal writing. It sounds strong and judgmental, so it is common in rules and criticism but can sound harsh as casual advice.

Example sentences 8

1. 君きみ自みずからが会議かいぎに出席しゅっせきすべきであったのだ。

   You should have attended the meeting in person.

2. 君は彼の仕事を手伝うべきだった。

   You should have helped him with his work.

3. 君は私に真実を言うべきだったのに。

   You should have told me the truth.

4. 君はもっと分別を持つべきだったのに。

   You should have known better.

5. あなたはひとりで行くべきでない。

   You should not go alone.

6. 君は酒をやめるべきだ。

   You should give up drinking.

7. 彼の手紙に返信を出すべきだったのに。

   You should have replied to his letter.

8. この薬を飲む前には内科医の意見を聞くべきだ。

   You should ask a physician for his advice before taking this medicine.